Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve

Top choice in Northern Territory


One of the more uplifting sights accessible off the Stuart Hwy south of Alice, Rainbow Valley consists of freestanding sandstone bluffs that turn from cream to red and all manner of earth tones at sunset or sunrise. At other times, it's pretty enough but the colours are muted. The other attraction here is the deep-desert silence that will overwhelm you whatever time of day you visit. Marked walking trails weave between the clay-pans and outcrops.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northern Territory attractions

1. Ewaninga

29.86 MILES

At Ewaninga, 39km south of Alice Springs, prehistoric Aboriginal petroglyphs are carved into sandstone. The rock carvings found here and at N'Dhala Gorge…